Median Palace

A king over shepherds: here he built his house,
His columned hall, roof set with painted tiles,
    The master of an acreage
As far as he could see from the towered walls.

By what trust or ignorance did he build and live?
We drink at the spring that fed his walled garden;
    We watch the scarlet hoopoe
Strutting in the court where once it drew his eyes.
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